Description
This easy homemade Pizza Sauce for the Freezer is rich, flavorful, and perfect for keeping on hand whenever a pizza craving hits. Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, it freezes beautifully to make homemade pizza night quick and convenient without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar if using, and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help slightly thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, sugar, or spices as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Portion and Freeze: Divide the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags in portions of about 1/2 to 1 cup each. Leave some space in containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label and Store: Label each container with the date and contents, then freeze. The sauce will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Use or Reheat: When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen on the stove or in the microwave before spreading on pizza dough or incorporating into recipes.
Notes
- Let the sauce cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
- Freeze in individual portions so you can thaw only what you need to reduce waste.
- Leave some room in your containers or bags because the sauce expands as it freezes.
- This sauce is versatile—use it not only for pizza but also for calzones, pasta dishes, or as a dipping sauce.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender before cooling and freezing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
